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What is ABA?

Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is a scientific approach to assessing and changing behaviour that is supported by years of research (evidenced-based). ABA focuses on improving behaviours of social significance (meaningful to the learner) by determining how behaviour is affected by the environment. ABA uses behaviour principles, such as reinforcement, to teach new skills. ABA targets behaviours that are observable and measurable and is guided by data.

Why might my child benefit from ABA Therapy?

ABA gives therapists, teachers, and parents the tools they need to teach skills and change behaviours. ABA is a "toolbox" that contains various technique and strategies that when used correctly can change and teach socially significant behaviours including communication, social skills, play skills, academics, adaptive skills and more. ABA therapists take detailed data on a behaviour, analyze that data, and then select the most appropriate techniques to teach new skills to your child in an individualized manner.

When should my child start ABA Therapy?

The sooner the better! The sooner your child starts ABA therapy, and the sooner you learn the strategies and methods used by ABA therapists, the sooner you will begin to see your child learn new skills. Extensive research shows that early (the younger the learner), intensive (higher number of weekly hours) ABA therapy is the more effective it will be.

How many hours does my child need?

ABA sessions are generally between two and three hours, with some sessions lasting longer (especially if the session involves a social outing). The number of sessions your child receives per week will depend on several factors and will be individualized to your child's specific needs. Some children will receive a few hours (4-9 hours) of ABA therapy per week while others may receive over 20 hours per week. Generally, ABA programs start with two or three days a week, and that time may be gradually increased or decreased based on the specific needs of the child.

How many therapists will work with my child?

Typically, ABA therapy programs require multiple (2-3) therapists work with a learner. The reason for this is to help ensure that your child is able to "generalize" the skills being taught as this is the key for long-lasting behaviour change. Each ABA therapist has a slightly different, unique style allowing for generalization to be targeted within teaching.

What is the therapist to child ratio in ABA Therapy?

Direct Therapy is 1:1 staff to child. Group Therapy is 1:3 staff to child.

What does the Clinical Supervisor do?

The BCBA/BCaBA/Clinical Supervisor for your child’s ABA program has many different roles and responsibilities. The BCBA/BCaBA will develop goals and create programs for your child and then monitor the programs for success. They will write reports that outline your child's progress and participate in collaborations with other healthcare providers (Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy). Additionally, they are responsible for training and supervising the therapists who work directly with your child. Most program changes (revisions and next steps) are a result of BCBA supervision.

What is the OAP?

The Ontario Autism Program is a government-funded initiative in the province of Ontario, Canada, aimed at providing support and services to individuals with autism spectrum disorder. The program offers a range of services, including ABA interventions, core clinical funding, and family support.

Can I use OAP funding to pay for ABA Therapy at Social Connections?

Yes! Money received from the OAP can be used to pay for ABA Therapy service and fall under "Behavioural Services".

Does the service provider need to be registered on the OAP provider list?

No! As of January 2022 Clinical Supervisor who are not on the OAP Provider list just need to provide the family with an Attestation Letter.